BMW iX1 U11 vs BMW X1 E84

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

The first-generation iX1 (U11), BMW’s fully electric compact SUV on the FAAR platform.

BMW X1

E84 · 2009 – 2015

The first-generation X1 (E84), rear-wheel-drive based.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the U11 for BMW’s smallest electric SUV with a usable 490-litre boot and the punchy dual-motor xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X1

Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.

Best engine: The 20i (N20 petrol) or 20d (N47 diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs N20 20i · Petrol

	BMW iX1	BMW X1
Power	313 hp Winner	184 hp
Torque	494 Nm Winner	270 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,6 s Winner	7,7 s
Top speed	180 km/h	205 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t Winner	121,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	168 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	6,7 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	BMW X1
Boot	490 L Winner	420 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L Winner	1.350 L
Wheelbase	2,69 m	2,76 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,45 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	18,3 cm
Turning circle	11,9 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg	1.800 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	BMW X1
Platform	FAAR (electric)	E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)	N20 2.0 petrol · N47 2.0 diesel · N55 3.0 (xDrive35i)
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 5
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX1

OS8/OS9 software: connectivity and CarPlay glitches (mostly fixed via update)
IBS recall (2022–2024): brake assist/ABS — verify via VIN
12V battery can drain when parked or with frequent app use

BMW X1

N47 timing chain (pre-2011)
Transfer case (xDrive)
Cooling system needs checking

Pros

BMW iX1

Fifth-generation eDrive motors are notably efficient
Large usable battery (~65 kWh) with 430–514 km WLTP range
xDrive30 delivers 313 hp with all-wheel drive

BMW X1

Handling thanks to rear-wheel drive
Compact footprint
Good headroom

Cons

BMW iX1

DC fast charging peaks around 130 kW — slower than some rivals
Regenerative braking takes getting used to in Efficient mode

BMW X1

Firm ride
Small boot for the class

Driving experience

BMW iX1

Quiet, refined and responsive in typical EV fashion. Instant torque makes it feel brisk in traffic. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for a crossover; body control is good and the car feels planted. The xDrive30 (dual motor) is notably quicker and more secure in poor conditions; the eDrive20 (front-drive) is lighter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is strong in Efficient mode and takes some getting used to. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps, but the car can feel firm on poor Belgian roads, especially with larger wheels. Overall a capable, composed electric crossover rather than a pure driver’s car.